Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. February 12, 2012
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A WARM WELCOME TO VISITORS
You are invited to sign our Guest Book at the church entrance and to fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate. We would like to get to know you better, and we invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us at Coffee Hour downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship Service.

CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Based on Psalm 84:1-4
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh cry out for the living God.
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young — a place near your altar.
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #95 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
INVOCATION
CALL TO CONFESSION
We are commanded to love the Lord our God, walk in his ways, and observe his commandments. Although we continually fail, God never ceases to long for us to turn away from our sin and toward him. Knowing the richness of God’s mercy, let us confess our sins before God and one another.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Merciful God, you created us out of love, calling us to choose blessings and to delight in your law; instead, we follow our own capricious nature. Rather than seeing freedom in your decrees, we see constraints. We convince ourselves that we know what we need better than you do. We make choices that hurt others and lead us away from you. Forgive us for all the ways we fall short in what we do and in what we fail to do. Instill in us the desire to grow in our faith and our discipleship so we can help grow your kingdom with integrity. Amen.
[Moment of Silence]

ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Beloved of God, the Lord’s mercy is from everlasting to everlasting.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Let us rejoice and be glad in Him! Amen.
PRAISE SONGS #106, 104 Jesus, Name Above All Names
There’s something about That Name

CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING (Unison)
May these children hold firmly to the teachings of Christ, walk in discipleship with him always, and never be ashamed of their relationship with him, no matter what the cost. Grant that they may know and live by his truth and enjoy the freedom that it brings. Amen.

We Come Before God’s Open Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison) Based on the hymn, Christ Be My Leader
Blessed Jesus, come near to us we pray. Lead us, and we will gladly follow, for you are the Way; teach us, and doubts will not daunt us, for you are the Truth; in your presence, our darkness turns to day, for you are the Life. Amen.
SCRIPTURE LESSON Mark 8:31-38 (p. 714)
MESSAGE “The Expected One, Also the Expected Way!”
PRAYER OF BLESSING

Celebrating God
WE GIVE OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and PRAYER (Unison)
With gratitude for all your good gifts to us, O God, we dedicate these offerings to you. Use them to sow seeds of hope where there is despair, seeds of compassion where there is pain, and peace where there is discord. Help us not to grow weary in doing what is right with the resources you have given us. We pray in our Savior's name. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #492 I Will Sing of My Redeemer
*BENEDICTION BLESSING & RESPONSE - My Friends, May You Grow in Grace
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen. (2x)
POSTLUDE

On February 26th, there will be a Congregational meeting in the church sanctuary immediately following morning worship. The Stewardship Ministry will report on the financial status of the church and present a preliminary budget for 2012. There will be an opportunity for questions and comments from members of the congregation. The Stewardship Ministry will take this discussion into consideration and then make its final recommendation for a budget for 2012 to the Consistory, whose members will be responsible to vote on the proposal. A handout that will be used on the 26th will be available on the table at the back of the sanctuary on Sunday, the 19th, and anyone who would like to study it in advance may take one.

KRC SMALL GROUPS
This coming week, KRC’s small groups, offered on Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., will begin a new study this coming week. All are invited to join one of these groups, and walk-ins are always welcome!

As a thank-you for the 45 coats that were donated by the KRC family for use by those in need, the Burlington Coat Factory has provided us with complimentary coupons offering 10%-off the cost of an entire order. Coupons, which may be picked up from the back table today, are good only through February 20, 2012. Many thanks to Alan Dick for coordinating this ministry and for transporting the coats to the collection point.

The Church Family Ministry has happily rescheduled a KRC FAMILY CHILI NITE to begin at 6 p.m. this coming Saturday, February 18. Donations of the following items would be greatly appreciated to round out the food menu and entertainment, and volunteers may sign up for these on the sheet at the back table of the sanctuary: two (2) mixed green salads and dressings; two (2) 9x13 pans of brownies; two (2) 1/2 gallons of vanilla ice cream; sodas and juices, chips; games of any kind. Chili, cornbread, hotdogs, and rolls will be provided, and brownie sundaes will be made with the donated brownies and ice cream. In addition, you will not want to miss hearing William Carroll give a presentation on his travels in Australia.

The KRC Family will once again join forces to cook the free supper planned for Tuesday, February 28, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Valatie. Anyone willing to lend a hand to this ministry (cooking, serving, cleaning up), please contact Pastor Rudy.

Kinderhook Reformed Church has launched its Tricentennial Celebration! The 300th Anniversary Banner is now on display, and a photograph will be taken of the congregation in front of the church under the banner in the spring. AT LEAST ONE 300th BIRTHDAY EVENT IS BEING PLANNED FOR EACH MONTH OF 2012, AND EVERYONE’S HELP IS VERY MUCH NEEDED. WE ASK THAT YOU PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER HOW YOU MIGHT PARTICIPATE IN THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR MINISTRY TO OUR CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY. THE 300TH COMMITTEE’S NEXT MEETING IS THIS COMING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, AT KRC, AND YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. Please pray that God will continue to bless our church family as we move forward into our year-long celebration, and that each activity carried out will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. Contact Laura Rafferty, (518) 653-3994, with offers to assist in this ministry.

Praise God for the spiritual blessings and good times had by the 6 young people and 4 leaders who attended the Excel conference recently. Not all of the kids were able to meet the cost of the conference fee and lodging ($141), and sponsors to help make up the shortfall would be greatly appreciated. Checks may be written to KRC with “Excel” on the memo line.

MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY. The Pantry served 104 families last November and 83 families in December. The Pantry is heavily over-stocked on spaghetti at this time, but other non-perishable foods that are always popular are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti sauce; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the entryways of the church.

HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS TO:

Jayne Ferguson, Angie Hickman, Ashlee Olsen, and John Schubert

BE SURE TO PICK UP FROM THE BACK TABLE A COPY OF LIBBY LITTLE’S SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT SCHEDULE , JANUARY THROUGH JULY 10, 2012, AND USE IT AS A GUIDE FOR REMEMBERING LIBBY IN PRAYER AS SHE CARRIES OUT A VERY STRENUOUS AND DEMANDING ITINERARY.

With the exception of the Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies, KRC will no longer be handling the ordering, delivery, and placement of flowers for the pulpit area. However, we invite anyone who wishes to do so to purchase fresh flowers on their own and place them on the platform pedestals. Vases are available for this purpose if needed. A sheet may be found on the back table in the sanctuary for signing up to bring flowers and for noting memorials and celebrations for which they are being given. As before, donors’ names and memorial notes will still be published in the Sunday bulletins

Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith.
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; church restoration; KRC’s 300th birthday events.
• leaders & those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, new small group ministries, adult Bible study, Community Prayer Group, and New Members’ Class.
• our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• our missionaries: Dave and Char Alexander, Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Alex and Fran Knauss, Maureen Menard, Dick and Carolyn Otterness, Brian and Bea Post, Seth and Melissa Rogati, Betty Ann Stedwell.
• our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies.
• Prayer and praise for Lori Kolb-Speer’s niece, Terry (Gaylord) Nawrot. She is a very high-risk pregnancy but so far so good. She is due in July and as of her last Dr.’s visit this past week, mom and twins are doing wonderfully.
• those, especially children, victimized by famine, drought, and other natural disasters; abuses of war and violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially: Sally Heimroth grieving the recent loss of her sister, Mary Anne Snyder, who passed away unexpectedly; remember also Mary Ann's husband, Bill, and children at this time of sudden loss, and Sally as she travels back to Florida; Nancy Call, family, and friends grieving the death of Nancy’s father this past Monday; Loris Clark, family, and friends grieving the death of Loris’s daughter, LaRee Devine, 45, mother of 4; and those grieving the death of Al Van Alstyne.
• those dealing with cancer: Stephanie; Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Shelly LoPiccolo; Donna Scalera; Emese; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Myrtle; Richard Williams; Patricia Taliaferro; Susan; Patricia and twins; Carol; Jan Herrmann; Florence Rivera, Mary Ann; Ryan; Joan Clause; Gordie Van Buren; Sue Jones; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Kathy Schneider’s father and Charles March, Sr. in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Louise; Libby Little, facing a demanding itinerary of speaking engagements; those struggling with unnamed issues; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those with employment or other economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with dependencies/substance abuse; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with many temptations confronting young adults.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Brad and Kelly Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), the Principis (Baby Gianna Drew),
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
• our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson and Mike Rivera.
• our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert; Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; and Spencer Moore - that they may know God’s presence and protection.
• families and friends of our military troops, and victims of warfare & violence worldwide, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance.
• the power of the peace & love of Christ to subdue everywhere the spirits of hatred, hostility, unforgiveness, cruelty, vengeance, and warfare.

Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• all who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete projects and responsibilities.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• Stacey Baker’s excellent and complication-free recovery from recent jaw surgery.
• Joan Clause’s continuing good recovery from a recent stroke.
• the blessing of family and friends.
• the wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times.
•
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, & those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.

KRC’s share of support will be $6,456 in 2012 for services and resources to be provided for us by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF CLASSIS ASSESSMENT FOR 2012 HAS BEEN SET AT $81.72, UP ONLY 87¢ FROM LAST YEAR! THIS AVERAGES OUT TO JUST $1.57 PER WEEK PER MEMBER. All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above their regular giving, their share of this support. The full share does not have to be given at one time, but may be given in as many increments as are convenient throughout the year. All contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO DONATED over $4,000 THIS PAST YEAR TO HELP DEFRAY THIS ONGOING EXPENSE.

OFFICE, EMAIL,
WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is scheduled to be in his church office
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.
If you wish to meet with Pastor during these times,
please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings have been set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations,
and counseling.
For assistance on Mondays, please call 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
If you need immediate assistance anytime, please call 859-4158.